Chef Peter Botros
Chef/Owner
PETER BOTROS
Peter Botros is the cornerstone and founding partner of the Bread & Butter Hospitality family of restaurants: The Stone House at Clove Lakes, Chef’s Loft at The Stone House, Violette’s Restaurant, Blue Pearl, Sofia’s Taqueria (with locations in both Staten Island and New Jersey), Sally’s Southern & BBQ, Rustic Pizza & Pizzeria, Caroline’s Tavern in Avenel, NJ, Tito Bandito’s in the Catskills, and Carved Handcrafted Sandwiches in Florida.
The Stone House at Clove Lakes, owned and operated by Peter Botros since 2014, is renowned for its lakeside fine dining, weddings, and events, set in a charming cottage nestled in the heart of Clove Lakes Park. Driven by a passion for developing new flavor combinations, Chef Botros introduced a unique “restaurant within a restaurant” concept, Chef’s Loft at The Stone House. This intimate experience features a multi-course, wine-paired tasting menu prepared tableside exclusively by Chef Botros.
In November 2017, Chef Botros celebrated the grand opening of Violette’s Restaurant in Grant City, a distinctly unique casual fine dining destination offering elevated and unexpected culinary experiences. Known for its seven-days-a-week brunch and gourmet, eclectic small plates designed for sharing, Violette’s also features private event spaces as distinctive as its menu, including a speakeasy complete with a sliding bookcase entrance and peephole door. Guests can also enjoy a daily Chef’s Tasting Menu, offering an exceptional seven- or twelve-course dining experience.
Violette’s is named after Peter’s mother, Violette Botros, who lost her brave battle with cancer when Peter was just seventeen. In her honor, Violette’s Restaurant remains committed to supporting cancer treatment and research, including one of the largest donation pledges to Staten Island University Hospital’s Florina Cancer Center. Bread & Butter Hospitality continues this mission by doubling that pledge.
In January 2019, Sofia’s Taqueria, Staten Island’s first taco and tequila bar, was born. The Bay Street flagship location blends authentic ambiance with a vibrant, energetic atmosphere, featuring carefully curated décor, gourmet Mexican cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and over 120 tequilas and mezcals. The space also includes an enclosed outdoor courtyard and an upper level for private events. In September 2021, a second location opened in Eltingville, nearly four times larger, offering the same lively atmosphere along with expanded event space and covered outdoor dining.
In December of 2023, Sofia’s Group expanded its horizons into Old Bridge, NJ, with another Taqueria location serving up all of Sofia’s favorites.
Fast forward to 2026, and Sofia’s now has 6 locations across Staten Island and New Jersey, including locations in Old Bridge, Ledgewood, and Toms River, New Jersey.
In June 2020, mid-pandemic, Chef Botros opened Rustic Pizza & Pizzeria in Grant City and has since moved into a larger space at 1789 Richmond Road with a full bar, restaurant, and takeout area. Rustic Pizza & Pizzeria features homemade pastas, gourmet Italian specialties, and a spectacular variety of handcrafted specialty pies. Rustic’s new location is not only designed to service high-volume takeout, delivery, and catering, but also has a full indoor restaurant with a semi-private party area that can accommodate up to 40 guests.
In September 2020, also mid-pandemic, Chef Botros opened Sally’s Southern & BBQ on Forest Avenue’s Restaurant Row. Sally’s features traditional Southern comfort food and house-smoked BBQ with creative culinary flair and craft cocktails inspired by classic Southern indulgences. Sally’s Southern & BBQ’s namesake is Sally Curtis, mother of Peter’s business partner Philip Farinacci, and pays special homage to Sally after she lost her brave fight with cancer. The menu was developed with Sally’s handwriting replicated, some of her favorite recipes reimagined, and her Live Love Laugh mantra prominently displayed and embraced.
In June of 2024, Bread & Butter Hospitality proudly opened “Blue Pearl,” a modern American seafood and vibe dining experience and event venue set against the stunning backdrop of waterfront views and the iconic NYC skyline. Nestled within the vibrant Urby, this innovative restaurant is the perfect destination for both food lovers and those seeking a memorable dining experience by the water. Located right next door at 25 Navy Pier Ct, “Pearl Lounge” is an intimate, stylish event space designed for unforgettable moments. Pearl Lounge is perfect for hosting private gatherings of up to 45 guests in a chic and contemporary setting.
In November of 2024, Sofia’s Toms River was born. This vibrant location features an exclusive “Tequila Room” perfect for private dining experiences. Whether it’s a special celebration or a casual gathering, Sofia’s Taqueria in Toms River promises an unforgettable dining experience filled with delicious food and a lively atmosphere.
In March of 2025, the group opened a Sofia’s Taqueria location in Ledgewood, NJ.
With a full bar and over 150 tequilas and mezcals, this location boasts all of Sofia’s favorites with a vibrant atmosphere.
In August of 2025, Caroline’s Tavern in Avenel, NJ, was opened. Caroline’s is a fresh new American tavern in Avenel, NJ, offering happy hour, weekend brunch, and a full-service bar.
In November 2025, alongside his brother, Botros opened “Carved Handcrafted Sandwiches,” a family-owned gourmet sandwich shop featuring an elevated twist on classic favorites, offering sandwiches, salads, soups, and more, all carefully crafted with fresh ingredients, ensuring deliciousness in every bite. Now open at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.
Violette's of Woodbridge, NJ, was introduced in April 2026. Redefining “VIBE dining” with a bi level contemporary speakeasy experience. Designed to intrigue and impress, the space blends modern luxury with warm salt brick accents, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and electric. Enjoy elevated indoor and outdoor seating, handcrafted cocktails, and mixology-driven energy that transitions seamlessly from dinner to artfully crafted cocktails. At Violette’s, every detail is curated for unforgettable nights.
